WINSLOW -- Educators and others tonight plan to discuss with local residents the proposal to merge the administrative offices of three area school districts.

The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in Winslow High School's auditorium.

Winslow and the other two communities, Vassalboro and Waterville, are required by state law to hold these public hearings in order to vet the proposals in preparation for a Jan. 13 vote.

"It's an opportunity for Winslow residents who are interested in hearing more about the proposal to participate and ask questions," Winslow Town Manager Michael Heavener said.

Heavener sits on the committee that produced the proposal.

The state-mandated process is aimed at reducing education costs by cutting down the number of school systems. School systems must present plans on how they will save money by sharing transportation and administrative resources.

Educators in Maine refer to the type of plan these three communities are considering as an "alternative organizational structure," which is touted as being desirable in that it provides a greater degree of local control than does a "regional school unit." Educators in some communities are opting for this configuration because it "allows member school systems to remain as close as possible to their current structure while meeting the requirements of the law," according to a brochure circulated by Winslow School District.

Partner school systems would keep their own local school committees, debt, budgets, control of facilities and programming. Vassalboro secondary school students will continue to have school choice.

Transportation costs, employees and equipment will be shared.

The three systems would maintain separate school boards but would have one "mother" board made up of people from the three communities. Gradually, administrators and unions will make policies, labor contracts, curriculum consistent throughout the entire organization.

The plan to merge will go forward if any two of the three communities vote in favor of it. If one community votes it down, the remaining two will still be partners.

Joel Elliott -- 861-9252

jelliott@centralmaine.com